Destiny and Richelle

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D)

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~Post traumatic stress disorder is a medically recognized anxiety disorder that can develop in anyone after they have been exposed to extremely stressful situations.

~ Generally seen in victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence, survivors of natural disasters, dramatic events such as terrorist attacks, and soldiers returning from a war zone.
~ It is not genetic or common in families.
~ Public perception is it is relatively new and a mostly mysterious mental illness. Many people doubt that it even exists.
~ Treatments include individual, group therapy or medication.

Symptoms:

~ Repeatedly reliving the trauma in thoughts or nightmares
~ Strong startle response
~ Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
~ Emotional numbness, or loss of interest
~ Difficulty feeling affectionate
~ Increased aggressiveness, or even violence
~ Irritability
~ Mood Changes
~ Difficulty concentrating
~ Sleep problems

Causes:

~ Life threatening trauma
~ Experiencing a severe accident or being apart of one
~ Life threatening injuries
~ Life threatening medical diagnosis
~ Victim of kidnapping or torture
~ War combat
~ Natural or other disasters ~ Terrorist attacks
~ Rape
~ Mugging, robbery, or assault

Sources:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by Peggy Thomas
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Diseases and Disorders by Scott Barbour
"From the traumas of combat, rape, and abuse come knowledge" (power point) by www.careforthetroops.org